Focus on Elections

Kristen Taylor: After working professionally for more than forty years, I recently retired from the Carbon School District. I am one of those extremely lucky people who loved my work, so my work also became my passion.
I am still very interested in the success of both students and teachers. As a teacher, I had many opportunities to attend professional development trainings, work on school and district committees, participate at the state level as both a participant and a trainer, and even work on an international committee as part of my obligation for a grant from the International Reading Association which gave us the opportunity to review books and add them to our school libraries.
I would bring this interest and experience to a position on our local school board. I recognize that schools, teachers, and parents face increasingly difficult challenges, but I also believe strongly in an old adage that says all of us are smarter than one of us. If we commit to work as a team, dedicate ourselves to compromise for a greater good, and always remember that students are truly our number one priority, we can maintain quality and improve education for all students. We must adhere to budgets, aggressively recruit highly qualified new teachers, and provide those new teachers with trained mentors. Finally, we must work to support a positive, affirmative workplace for all of our teachers, principals, and support staff.
Young people need a quality education to face the challenges of the future. They need well-prepared teachers and a supportive community. They need all of us. I would appreciate your vote on Election Day.

My name is Melanie Fausett: I am a long-time resident of Carbon County who is invested in the community. My husband and I both graduated from Carbon High and went on to achieve higher education in nursing and pharmacy. I am a mother of 3 children who currently attend school in the Carbon County School District.
It is my desire to serve on the School Board to represent the interest of all parents and ensure that we maintain a high standard for not only school officials, but also the students. I believe we need to be fiscally sound, as well as offer new innovative programs and curriculums to boost our educational opportunities and engage and motivate the students. I am actively involved in the community through various volunteer opportunities as well as my employment as a registered nurse with Rocky Mountain Hospice and The Castle Country Youth Center, that serves our high-risk youth.
My ability to interact with and respect the opinions of others will enable me to work as a team with all members of the School Board. By understanding the historical make up and having knowledge of current practices of the school system, I will be able to offer suggestions and make decisions that are in the best interest of all stakeholders. I am confident that I can be objective and represent the views of parents as we work together to maintain a high quality of education for all students.
I am excited at the possibility of serving the people of this great county. I am motivated to make positive change in our district and community. I want to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the Carbon School District by running for a School Board seat in District #2.
Please take time to fill out the survey on my campaign website: melaniefausett.com. This will allow me to learn what your thoughts and concerns are. I look forward to receiving your vote on November 6th. Thank you for your support.

Jaynie Rae Nielsen: My husband, Lee, and I are parents of seven children ages 11 to 20: Jewelianna at Creekview Elementary, Jordan, Jason, Jonas at MHJH, Joshua at CHS, and Justin and Jaylee. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a minor in math. My husband, my children and I all play the piano and several instruments. We have lived in Price for 15 years while I've served as school volunteer, on several committees, and on the CSD School Board by request.
I have served at several schools in art, band, choir, advanced math groups and a calculus tutor. I have served on several committees for hiring, planning, math and music, as well as being School Community Council member, Parent's Advisory Committee Chairman, PTA officer, and regional PTA treasurer.
As school board member, I've had opportunities to serve on several committees including the USU educational, Price City improvement, Utah Math Core and music improvement committee. I have attended two state training sessions and negotiation training to serve twice on the negotiation committee.
I am fortunate to be a stay-at-home mother that allows me the opportunity to spend needed hours at my children's schools. I am hard working, organized, open minded to see both sides of issues, and willing to stand behind my commitments. I have good ideas when something needs to be done and can see the job through. If elected, I know I could continue as an asset.
The children of Carbon County are the greatest assets to our future. I want to create the best possible educational experience available. I would like to see Carbon County attract quality teachers that want to come and stay. I believe if our teachers are happy, our children's education improves and learning flourishes. In my time as volunteer, I have learned the importance of keeping and retaining quality teachers. Therefore, I would like the opportunity to improve the educational experiences for the children, parents, and teachers of Carbon County.